Location Based Restrictions On Networked Gaming

ABSTRACT

A system and method for peer-to-peer gaming is described. One embodiment includes a system for peer-to-peer gaming, the system comprising an at least one gaming client, wherein the at least one gaming client is configured to accept a selection of an at least one gaming option from a player, and allow the player to play a game based on the selection of the at least one gaming option; an administration server, wherein the administration server is configured to receive the selection of the at least one gaming option from the at least one gaming client, and initiate the game for the player based on the selection of the at least one gaming option; and an at least one gaming server, wherein the at least one gaming sever is configured to run the game and transmit data about the game to the administration server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/700,887, filed on Dec. 2, 2019, entitled “Location BasedRestrictions On Networked Gaming,” now allowed; which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/600,584, filed on May 19, 2017,entitled, “Location Based Restrictions On Networked Gaming,” and issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 10,497,220 on Dec. 3, 2019; which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/444,409,filed on Feb. 28, 2017, entitled “Location Based Restrictions OnNetworked Gaming,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,978,205 on May 22,2018; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/488,241, filed on Jun. 19, 2009, entitled “Systems And Methods forPeer-To-Peer Gaming,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,613,498 on Apr. 4,2017; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/074,572, filed Jun. 20, 2008, entitled “Systems And Methods ForPeer-To-Peer Gaming”; all of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety for all purposed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate tosystems and methods for gaming. More specifically, some embodimentsrelate to systems and methods for skill-based gaming with location basedrestrictions.

BACKGROUND

Skill-based games are, for example, games that allow users to competefor money or points either in a one-on-one manner or in a multiplayertournament environment. These games differ from traditional gambling inthat the games are based primarily on skill and are less influenced bychance.

Most skill-based games fall into four general categories:

Arcade/Video Games—Arcade games are games that involve quick fingers andquick thinking. These games are basically sped-up puzzle games. Arcadeskill-based games include, but are not limited to, games based onfootball, basketball, car racing or other sports.

Puzzle Games—Puzzle games are games that rely on logic abilities andrequire the user to solve certain types of puzzles. While not asfast-paced as arcade games, these games often come with a time limit.Popular puzzle games include games that require modification of objectsand their locations to create a particular result.

Word Games—Word games are games that are basically puzzle games usingword problems, like rearranging letters to make words.

Trivia Games—Trivia games are games that test the user's knowledge oftrivia in specific categories or in general.

Some skill-based games heavily modify the game play of “regular” casualgames such as solitaire or in order to remove as many random events aspossible. The analogy is that the influence of chance in a skill-basedgame should not exceed the influence of chance in any other pro sportcompetition, such as golf or football. For example, in a skill-basedSolitaire competition, the players could be given the same cards in thesame order so that the final score can be fairly compared.

Skill-based games have been, and continue to be, offered on internetwebsites where users are allowed to compete for points and/or money.Like poker sites, skill-based game sites can take a rake frompeer-to-peer and tournament games, but unlike casino games or games ofchance, the outcome of a skill game is predominantly determined by theuser's skill level. Moreover, unlike traditional games such as poker,skill-based gaming is not offered in casinos or other closed systemmarkets.

Although present devices are functional, they are not sufficientlyaccurate or otherwise satisfactory. Accordingly, a system and method areneeded to address the shortfalls of present technology and to provideother new and innovative features.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present technology that are shown in thedrawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are morefully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to beunderstood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventionto the forms described in this Summary or in the Detailed Description.One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerousmodifications, equivalents and alternative constructions that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed herein.

Some embodiments of the present technology can provide a system andmethod for gaming (e.g., peer to peer gaming, real-money gaming,skill-based gaming, etc.). In one embodiment, the present technology caninclude a method for peer-to-peer gaming. For one method, a plurality ofgame options are provided to a first player through a peer-to-peergaming system. The first player can then make a game selection from theplurality of game options which is then received by the system. In someembodiments, the game options could include skill-based game options. Inaddition, the method could include providing to the first player aplurality of competitor player options, wherein the plurality ofcompetitor player options includes at least a second player. The firstplayer and the second player could also be provided with an interface toselect a wager amount. The wager amount selection, and a correspondingwager, could be received from the first player and the second player.The first and second player could further be provided the game selectionfor game play. A game result could also be determined based on the firstplayer's and second player's game play. This game result could also bereceived by the peer-to-peer gaming system. Based on the game result,the method could include providing a credit to a winner determined bythe game result. In some embodiments, the wager amount is a monetarywager amount and the credit to the winner would be a monetary credit. Insome embodiments, the payout can be a prize (e.g., monetary prize,physical prize, vacation packages, car, electronics, etc.).

Some embodiments can include a system for peer-to-peer gaming. In oneexample, the system could include a plurality of user interfaces,including at least a first user interface and a second user interface.These user interfaces could be connected to a peer-to-peer platform. Inaddition, the peer-to-peer platform could be connected to a game server,where the game server includes a plurality of game options. For oneembodiment, the peer-to-peer platform could be configured to assist afirst user at the first user interface in locating a second user at thesecond user interface. In addition, the peer-to-peer platform could beconfigured to assist the first user and second user agree upon a wageramount, and compete in one of the plurality of game options. In someembodiments, the first user and the second user compete in one of theplurality of game options for a prize amount wherein the prize amountcomprises the wager amounts less a house take.

As previously stated, the above-described embodiments andimplementations are for illustration purposes only. Numerous otherembodiments, implementations, and details of the technology are easilyrecognized by those of skill in the art from the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present technology will be described and explainedthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a high level network architecture of some embodimentsof a system for peer-to-peer gaming.

FIG. 2 illustrates a representation of software modules that could beused by and with a peer-to-peer platform consistent with variousembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 illustrates examples of user-interface screens consistent withone or more embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a representation of softwaremodules that could be used by and with a peer-to-peer platformconsistent with some embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates one method by which a system could implementpeer-to-peer gaming consistent with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6 illustrates one method of determining and paying a player'swinnings after a game has been played that may be used in someembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7 illustrates one method of initiating a game for a player that maybe used in various embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates one method by which a system could implementpeer-to-peer gaming consistent with one or more embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 9 illustrates one method by which a system could match compatibleplayers and competitors in a system of peer-to-peer gaming consistentwith some embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 10 illustrates one method by which a system could implement adelayed tournament consistent with various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 11 illustrates one method by which a system could create a list ofavailable gaming options for a player in a system of peer-to-peer gamingconsistent with one or more embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 12 illustrates one method by which a system could modify the listof available gaming options for a player to reduce risk in a system ofpeer-to-peer gaming consistent with some embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of various components that may be usedwithin a player terminal in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 14 is an example of a computer systemization of various embodimentsof the present technology.

The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded orreduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of thepresent technology. Similarly, some components and/or operations may beseparated into different blocks or combined into a single block for thepurposes of discussion of some of the embodiments of the presenttechnology. Moreover, while the technology is amenable to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detailbelow. The intention, however, is not to limit the technology to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the technologydescribed herein is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents,and alternatives falling within the scope of the technology as definedby the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate tointeractive gaming systems. More specifically, some embodiments providefor techniques for location-based regulation and restrictions ofinteractive gaming systems. Some embodiments provide for a systemcomprising an at least one gaming client. The gaming client can beconfigured to accept a selection of at least one gaming option from aplayer, and allow the player to play a game based on the selection ofthe at least one gaming option. In some embodiments, the particulargames presented for selection by the player may change based on timeand/or other criteria (e.g., location, player volume, licensing deals,type and/or capabilities of gaming client, etc.). Some embodimentsinclude an administration server configured to receive the selection ofthe at least one gaming option from the at least one gaming client, andinitiate the game for the player based on the selection of the at leastone gaming option. The system may also include at least one gamingserver configured to run the game and transmit data about the game tothe administration server.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present technology. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of thepresent technology may be practiced without some of these specificdetails. While, for convenience, embodiments of the present technologyare described with reference to various network based gaming devices,embodiments of the present technology are equally applicable to variousother variations including multiple player devices and direct device todevice game play.

The techniques introduced here can be embodied as special-purposehardware (e.g., circuitry), as programmable circuitry appropriatelyprogrammed with software and/or firmware, or as a combination ofspecial-purpose and programmable circuitry. Hence, embodiments mayinclude a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructionswhich may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) toperform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is notlimited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-onlymemories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, ROMs, random access memories(RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or opticalcards, flash memory, or other type of media/machine-readable mediumsuitable for storing electronic instructions.

The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “inthe embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” and the like generallymean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following thephrase is included in at least one implementation of the presenttechnology, and may be included in more than one implementation. Inaddition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodimentsor different embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to the network layout inFIG. 1, it illustrates an embodiment of a high-level networkarchitecture of some embodiments of the present technology. Thearrangement illustrated in FIG. 1 is a logical arrangement and not meantto be an actual hardware design. Thus, the components can be combined orfurther separated in an actual implementation. As shown in theembodiments illustrated in FIG. 1, the network architecture can includeone or more gaming clients 105, network 110, administration server 115,network 120, gaming server 125, existing system 130, back office systems135, other systems 140, accounting system 145, gaming option creationmodule 150, localization data module 155, gaming option collectionmodule 160, matching engine 165, game administration module 170,tournament administration module 175, results calculation module 180,risk management module 185.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, gaming client 105 and administration server115 are connected over network 110. Gaming client 105 represents thehardware and included software that is used by individual users, orplayers, who want to participate in various gaming sessions includingvarious interactive gaming and peer-to-peer skill-based gaming session.For example, according to various embodiments of the present technology,a player could be provided, or use, a variety of clients such as touchscreen kiosks, palmtops, PDAs, wireless tablets, smart phones, smarttelevisions, game top boxes, slot/video machines and/or other device. Inone embodiment, gaming client 105 can be a custom-built end-userinterface that utilizes currently deployed equipment on the casino floorsuch as wireless handheld devices, kiosks, interactive TVs, smartphones, tables, laptops, or other electronic device.

The interface of gaming client 105 can be customizable for visualconsistency with an existing framework. For example, the interface couldbe adapted to run on an existing slot machine, video-based gamblingmachine, wireless device (e.g., laptop, smart phone, tablet, wearable,etc.) or other electronic device. In one embodiment of the presenttechnology, slot machine games can be run on gaming client 105 duringcertain periods of time, while allowing interactive or peer-to-peergaming on the client at other periods of time. These periods may be setby a casino so that the available games change automatically during settime periods. In some embodiments, which games are available for playmay be selected based on game selection criteria. For example, in someembodiments, the casino may make a deal with a game provider or otherthird-party to always have at least two gaming clients available forplaying a particular game or group of games. As such, as players use thededicated gaming terminals for that game the offering of other gamingclients may be changed so that the minimum available offerings arepresent.

For example, the types of games presented may be selected or customizedbased on various themes (e.g., sports themes, holiday themes, birthdaythemes, celebrations, etc.). For example, during the men's basketballNCAA final four championships, more games may be presented that have abasketball theme. As another example, the games presented may beselected based on teams or schools that are participating in a sportingevent on a particular weekend or day. Such customizations of games canapply to both the cabinet games being presented within the casino aswell as mobile games that are available to players gambling on a mobiledevice.

In yet another embodiment, gaming client 105 could offer peer-to-peergaming options, different slot machine type options and various othergames for consumer choice. In some embodiments, players may be tracked(e.g., via room card, mobile device, etc.). Various analytics can beused to create custom profiles of the players. The profiles can be usedto dynamically present customized gaming options on player terminals asthe players engage or are in proximity. For example, the player mayenter a room key or other rewards card or code. In other embodiments,the player's phone may be able to communicate with player terminals orsigns located on the casino floor. In response to the identification ofthe player different gaming options may be listed, customized, orpresented first. In this way, casinos, hotels and similar establishmentswould be able to provide a high level of flexibility in gaming options,while simplifying the hardware and software infrastructure. Otheroptions, variations and modifications are possible.

In FIG. 1, gaming client 105 is shown connected to the administrationserver 115 via a network 110. In one embodiment, network 110 could be aLocal Area Network (LAN) limited to a single casino, hotel, or otherestablishment. In another embodiment, network 110 could comprise a WideArea Network (WAN) linking numerous casinos within a gaming jurisdiction(e.g., the state of Nevada or an Indian Reservation). In yet anotherexample, a LAN could be used to connect various casinos spacedrelatively close together, such as in Las Vegas. Gaming client 105 andadministration server 115 may be connected to network 110 throughcommunications interfaces. This interface could be a network interfacethat is suited for network 110. The features and functions of thisnetwork will depend on where and how the system is implemented. Thoseskilled in the art will realize various modifications and variationsconsistent with the present technology.

In one embodiment, administration server 115 could be located in thesame location as gaming client 105. In another embodiment,administration server 115 could be located in a remote location. In yetanother embodiment, administration server 115 could be located in acentral location with gaming client 105 at another location. The type ofconnection between the server and client, whether wireless or wired, onan Ethernet, etc., will vary depending on the implementation of thesystem. Those skilled in the art will be aware of many modifications andvariations allowed by the present technology.

In FIG. 1, administration server 115 may also be connected to a varietyof other systems such as, but not limited to, existing systems 130, backoffice systems 135, and gaming server 125 via network 120. Network 120may be the same or different than network 110. Existing Systems 130 mayinclude current casino gaming systems or payout systems. Back OfficeSystems 135 may include Accounting Systems 145 or Other Systems 140.Gaming Server 125 may contain multiple games that can be downloaded orrun by gaming client 105. Note that gaming server 125 could be oneserver or a set of servers. Any of existing systems 130, back officesystems 135, or gaming server 125 could be housed in one machine oracross a number of machines. Those skilled in the art will be aware ofmany modification and variations allowed by the present technology.

There are many ways that the player could play a game on gaming client105. In one exemplary embodiment, a game would be deployed on a clientusing an HTTP/web server and a web browser client. The HTTP/web servercould communicate with the administration Server 115 and the serverwould serve/distribute the interface to each client using any availablebrowser/client side technologies like but not limited to: HTML,JavaScript, DHTML, AJAX, Flash, Shockwave, Java, Active X, Silverlight,or VBscript. In some embodiments, a customized client/server model couldbe used, where administration server 115 communicates to a server basedapplication (an EXE and/or DLL, etc. . . . ), which would thencommunicate to a customized user-interface application (an EXE, etc) Inyet another example, a server side application could be produced thatwould contain both the server side functionality and the client sidefunctionality, but then also provide client side interaction byemulating/replicating the client side interface out on to the gamingclient 105. In some embodiments, gaming client 105 will not actuallyproduce the interface. Rather, the client would present a series ofimages/interfaces that were transferred from administration server 115.This method's process is similar to a traditional terminal/emulatorclient-server application. In all of these cases, the player may receivea unique and customized interface.

The multitude of game distribution methods are required to be able toserve the varying types of games and their methods of game play andinteraction. In one embodiment, gaming client 105 will include auniversal controller (not shown) that allows the player to play varioustypes of games using the same controller. In another embodiment, eachtype of gaming client 105 will have its own type of game controlleroptions available. Gaming client 105 could further be identified by theuser of gaming client 105. For example, administration server 115 mayknow gaming client 105 as a player gaming client or as a competitorgaming client. This list is not exhaustive and those skilled in the artwill be aware of many modifications and variations allowed by thepresent technology.

Administration Server 115 is an open and flexible gaming platform thatcan be used for real money wagering in legal gaming jurisdictions likeNevada and Indian reservations. Similar to the Windows operating system,which can act as a base platform and accept and run many different typesof applications, an open and flexible gaming platform can act as a baseplatform for skill-based, and chance-based, games created by variousgame developers (e.g., card game developers, skill-based gamedevelopers, chance-based game developers, etc.). The server can also bedynamically adjusted for localization requirements such as language,currency and legal issues.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, administration server 115 can include, or becommunicably coupled to, a number of modules, such as: gaming optioncreation 150, gaming option collection 160, matching engine 165, gameadministration 170, tournament administration 175, results calculation180, and risk management 185. Gaming option creation module 150 can takeinformation from localization data module 155 to determine which gamesare available on administration server 115. The localization data can beprovided as a packet that includes a variety of information, such as,but not limited to a device ID, player ID, a series of one or morelocation estimates (e.g., location estimate 1, location estimate 2,etc.), time stamp, confidence level, and the like. For example, inaccordance with various embodiments, the location of the player may bedetermined using one or more location estimation techniques such as, butnot limited to, IP address location estimation, geo-fencing, reportsfrom a player terminal (e.g., where the location was identified usingGPS), and/or other techniques. In some embodiments, manual check-ins bythe player, video surveillance with facial recognition software, andinformation from other systems may also be incorporated into thelocation estimation.

Gaming option collection module 160 can collect a selection of gamingoptions. Matching engine module 165 can match players on the system.Game administration module 170 can oversee game play. Tournamentadministration module 175 can keep track of multiple games in atournament. Results calculation module 180 can calculate results fromgames and how to distribute winnings. Risk management module 185 canallow the system to adjust game play based on specific risk factors(e.g., latency, connection quality, speed of mobile processors, hardwareconfigurations, skill level of players, dollar amounts being bet,security protocols, VPN speeds, detection of bots, robots or automatedplay, etc.). The server could consist of a single server or multipleservers. In some embodiments, gaming client 105 can communicate with theadministration server 115 and gaming server 125 throughout the entiregame play. Those skilled in the art will realize that many physicalvariations could be made to the number of devices used to createadministration server 115.

After the game, paying winnings to the player can be done in a number ofways. Referring again to FIG. 1, a player could receive currency at anembodiment of gaming client 105. Additionally, a player could receive a“Ticket-Out” that can be turned in for cash or tokens that can beexchanged for cash or for play at another client. In one embodiment,such as a car racing game, a player could have selected a betting optionsuch as $1/second-won-by. In this embodiment, there could be a constantinteraction between gaming server 125 and accounting systems 145 torecord live payout information. For example, if a player is 5 secondsahead, he or she could have a monitor showing a $5 lead. As the leadchanges, the monitor reflecting the monetary bet could also change. Inthis embodiment, the game could stop if a player's lead reaches acertain predetermined value, or if accounting systems 145 determine thatthe player's account only has sufficient funds to cover the currenttotal. Many variations and modifications to completion and payout willbe required by various betting types and gaming options. Those skilledin the art will be aware of modifications the present technology toaccount for these situations.

For purposes of discussion, the present technology primarily usesexamples of systems and methods for skill-based gaming and skill-basedgames. This is in no way intended as a limitation of the presenttechnology to only skill-based games. In some embodiments, the systemcan support skill-based games as well as traditional card games or otherchance-based games. Even though Poker, in the strictest sense, is not askill-based game, there are many advantages for setting up the system tobe able to run Poker in addition to skill-based games. For example,given that Poker and other card games are well known and accepted inlegal gaming jurisdictions, it is beneficial (although not required) forthe system to be capable of serving as a platform for Poker style games.Moreover, by presenting a similar setup and feel to the skill-basedplatform for skill-based and Poker style games, the system seems morefamiliar to players, making it easier to transition to skill-basedgaming.

FIG. 2 illustrates a set of components within, or associated with,administration server 115 according to one or more embodiments of thepresent technology. According to the embodiments shown in FIG. 2,administration server 115 can include memory 205, one or more processors210, operating system 215, player interface 220, rules engine 225, datacollection 230, gaming option creation module 150, gaming optioncollection module 160, matching engine 165, game initiation module 235,results calculation module 180, payout determination module 240, riskmanagement module 185, accounting module 245, and graphical userinterface (GUI) generation module 250. Each of these modules can beembodied as special-purpose hardware (e.g., one or more ASICS, PLDs,FPGAs, or the like), or as programmable circuitry (e.g., one or moremicroprocessors, microcontrollers, or the like) appropriately programmedwith software and/or firmware, or as a combination of special purposehardware and programmable circuitry. These modules are describedaccording to their function and could be grouped differently. As thoseskilled in the art understand, many of these functions could be combinedtogether into one software module and similarly, many of these functionscould be divided into several different software modules. Otherembodiments of the present technology may include some, all, or none ofthese modules and components along with other modules, applications,and/or components. Still yet, some embodiments may incorporate two ormore of these modules and components into a single module and/orassociate a portion of the functionality of one or more of these moduleswith a different module. For example, in one embodiment, gaming optioncreation module 150 and gaming option collection module 160 can becombined into a single module for customizing gaming. The functionalmodules are discussed briefly with regard to FIG. 2 and in more detailwith regard to the subsequent flow charts.

Memory 205 can be any device, mechanism, or populated data structureused for storing information. In accordance with some embodiments of thepresent technology, memory 405 can encompass any type of, but is notlimited to, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory and dynamic memory. Forexample, memory 205 can be random access memory, memory storage devices,optical memory devices, media magnetic media, floppy disks, magnetictapes, hard drives, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR RAM, erasable programmableread-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmableread-only memories (EEPROMs), compact disks, DVDs, and/or the like. Inaccordance with some embodiments, memory 205 may include one or moredisk drives, flash drives, one or more databases, one or more tables,one or more files, local cache memories, processor cache memories,relational databases, flat databases, and/or the like. In addition,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate many additionaldevices and techniques for storing information which can be used asmemory 205.

Memory 205 may be used to store instructions for running one or moreapplications or modules on processor(s) 210. For example, memory 205could be used in one or more embodiments to house all or some of theinstructions needed to execute the functionality of operating system215, player interface 220, rules engine 225, data collection 230, gamingoption creation module 150, gaming option collection module 160,matching engine 165, game initiation module 235, results calculationmodule 180, payout determination module 240, risk management module 185,accounting module 245, and/or GUI generation module 250. Operatingsystem 215 provides a software package that is capable of managing thehardware resources of administration server 115. Operating system 215can also provide common services for software applications running onprocessor(s) 210.

Player interface module 220 can be an input-output controller and serveas the interface for the player to interact with the other modules. Insome embodiments, player interface module 220 can also directcommunication from other modules to the client. For example, the modulecould present, among other things, game options to the player and thegame itself. Rules engine 225, in accordance with some embodiments, canset forth various rules such as game selection timing, betting amounts,jurisdictional or location rules, and the like.

Data collection module 230 can collect various data about individualgame player and the players. This data can be used to create player andgaming profiles, generate analytics, and as criteria for gamepresentation. In some embodiments, various machine learning techniquesmay be employed to identify gaming characteristics that attract certainplayers. Once identified, the gaming characteristics (e.g., colorschemes, minimum betting amounts, types of games—arcade games, pokergames, skill-based games, augmented reality games, virtual reality gamesetc.—location, etc.) can be dynamically changed on the player terminalswithin the casino.

Gaming option creation module 150 can be configured to create a list ofthe available game options. This module can use information about thelocation of the user, such as legal jurisdiction and casino location, todetermine which game options are presented to the player. For example,in accordance with various embodiments, the location of the player maybe determined based on IP addresses, geo-fencing, reports from a playerterminal (e.g., where the location was identified using GPS), and/orother techniques. Player interface module 220 could access gaming optioncreation module 150 to present the player with a list of gaming options.For example, that list may include which games are available, such asPoker or 9-Ball, arcade games, card games, esport game, racing games,shooting games, board games, virtual reality games, augmented realitygames, match 3, pinball, Tetris, Scrabble, 2 Dots, Angry Birds, and thelike. The list may also include the wager amounts available for eachgame. This is not meant to be an exclusive list. A person having skillin the art will understand what other options would be appropriate.

Gaming option collection module 160 can be configured to collect aselection from the list of gaming options presented to the player. Forexample, gaming option collection module 160 could access playerinterface module 220 to receive which gaming options the playerselected. This is just one embodiment of the present technology. Thoseskilled in the art will understand modifications and variations of themodule consistent with the present technology.

Matching engine 165 can be configured to match players who wish to playa game together. It uses information obtained through the playerinterface module 270 to find players that are compatible. Matching isdiscussed later with respect to the subsequent flow charts.

Game initiation module 280 may be located outside of the embodimentshown in FIG. 2. If the game software is located outside the system,game initiation module 280 communicates information, including playerinformation and player selected options, to the game software. Themodule also connects player interface module 270 with the game software.In the alternative, if the game software is located inside the system,game initiation module 280 can start a game. After a game has finished,or during game play, the module reports information about the game tothe system. This information can be used later in calculating winningsand results.

Results calculation module 180, can (e.g., at the end of a game)determine which objectives each player achieved. This module can useinformation received from game initiation module 235 in order todetermine the game result. In some games, the result is simple, such aseach hand of blackjack. In other games, such as football, the result maybe more complicated. In some embodiments, results calculation module 180will receive the final result. In other embodiments, resultscalculations module 180 will have to calculate the winner based onreceived game information.

Payout determination module 240 can (e.g., after the end of a game)determine whether each player may have some winnings. The operator ofthe game usually deducts an administrative fee before paying outwinnings. This module takes information from results calculation module180 to determine each player's appropriate winnings. Winnings could bein many forms, including, but not limited to: points, credits, or hardcurrency. After determining the amount of winnings due to the player,the payout determination module 240 can initiates a payout to theplayer. Depending on the type of winnings, the module may communicate todifferent systems. For example, if the player is to receive hardcurrency, payout determination module 240 may initiate another system(not shown) to produce coins for the player. Results calculation module180 and payout determination module 240 can work together to tabulatethe results of a game or set of games and pay out any winnings due to aplayer.

Risk management module 185 can monitor player activity in order toprevent collusion or other prohibited or illegal behavior. For example,risk management module 185 may use account information in order todetermine if some players are violating rules of the system. In oneembodiment, risk management module 185 could monitor playing behaviorsof users to detect possible collusion. In another embodiment, riskmanagement module 185 could determine which gaming options are availableto the player. For example, in Solitaire tournaments where all playersare given the same starting board, the module could monitor to see if acertain group of players are consistently playing in the same Solitairetournaments. Similarly, in car racing games for more than two players,the module could monitor to ensure that a certain group of playersaren't consistently competing in the same races in order to worktogether and reach an unfair advantage.

In another embodiment, risk management module 185 may eliminate a playerif the module detects prohibited behavior. For example, after a game,the risk management module may eliminate a player before giving theplayer any winnings. In another example, the module may eliminate theplayer during the game. None of these options are exclusive and riskmanagement module 185 consistent with the present technology couldinclude all or none of these example functions and could include otherfunctions as well. Many variations and modifications of the functions ofthis module depending on the type of game and types of bets would beknown to those skilled in the art based on the present technology.

Accounting module 245 can manage all bets, funds transfers and otheraccounting functions. The module could take care of debiting andcrediting a player's account. In an embodiment of the presenttechnology, even receipt of funds from the player to start a game couldbe monitored by the Accounting module 245. In yet another embodiment,payout determination module 240 may direct the accounting module 245 tocredit the player's account.

GUI generation module 250 can generate one or more GUI screens thatallow for interaction with a user or administrator. In at least oneembodiment, GUI generation module 250 can generate a graphical userinterface allowing a user to set preferences, review reports (e.g., fromrisk management module 185 or accounting module 245), author customreports, set device constraints, and/or otherwise receive or conveyinformation about various gaming activity to the user. The examplesprovided herein are exemplary only. The explanation of these modules andtheir uses are merely indicative. A person skilled in the art willrecognize additional variations and embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates examples of user-interface screens consistent withone or more embodiments of the present technology. In the embodimentsillustrated in FIG. 3, a player could select both the game and stakes atthe same time. If a player wants to play 9-Ball, he or she could selectthat game and the stakes he or she wanted to play at ($1 or $5). Thescreens shown in FIG. 3 could be separate screens or a player could beprovided with numerous different games all within a specific bettingrange. Additional variations and embodiments would be realized by one ofskill in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a representation of softwaremodules that could be used by and with a peer-to-peer platformconsistent with some embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 4represents a functional combination and not intended to be an actualnetwork design. The figure shows a different combination of thefunctional modules described in FIGS. 1 and 2. Again, this embodiment isnot intended to be limiting, but rather is intended to further explainan embodiment of the technology.

Note that the embodiments displayed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 are differentembodiments of the present technology. Those having skill in the artwill understand possible variations of the technology beyond theseembodiments.

Overview of System

In FIG. 5, a flow chart represents broadly one method by which thepresent technology can conduct a game for a player. First, the systempresents a player with a list of player gaming options 1100. Once theplayer has made a selection from the list of player gaming options, thesystem collects that selection 1200. The system then matches the playerwith a competitor 1300 and collects a bet from the player 1400. Next,the system initiates a game based on the selection of player gamingoptions 1500. Finally, after the game has completed, the systemcompensates the player 1600. It is not necessary that the steps run inthis specific order. The steps may run out of order or be run in a loop.Additionally, the set of steps may run in a loop inside the largermethod. Finally, this listing of steps is not exhaustive. Anotherembodiment consistent with the present technology may have a more stepsor less steps. Those having skill in the art will understand possiblevariations of the technology beyond these embodiments.

Gaming Options

Gaming options are the parameters for a game. The system uses the gamingoptions to initiate the game for the player. For example, gaming optionsmay include: a game type, such as Poker, 9-Ball, chess, or a footballarcade game; a bet amount for a particular game type, such as $5 or 10points; a specific competitor to play against, where the competitor maybe identified in many ways, including but not limited to: consolelocation, account name, nick name, or record; or even a preset game,complete with bet and game type, such as a game of chess with a $5jackpot. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. A person havingskill in the art will understand what other gaming options areconsistent with the present technology.

In one embodiment, a set of gaming options presented to a player couldbe referred to as Player Gaming Options, whereas a set of gaming optionspresented a competitor could be referred to as Competitor GamingOptions. These references are not limiting. Those skilled in the artwill understand how to refer to different sets of gaming options.

Before presenting a player with gaming options, the system determineswhich gaming options are available to the player. Referring to FIG. 11,the system could first create a list of legal gaming options in theplayer's location 1020. The list of legal gaming options might includelimits on wagers or types of games allowed, such as a $100 per handlimit on poker or a prohibition on any game except slots. For example,if the jurisdiction does not allow real-money gambling (i.e., a zerodollar per hand limit), the game may allow the player to use virtualcurrency. The system then could remove any gaming options that are notavailable on the system 1030. Some operators of the system may wish toestablish a minimum or maximum betting amount or may or may not have alicense for certain games such as a Football game. If the system is notauthorized to offer a type of game, then the player will not be able toselect that type of game as a gaming option. Once the system hasdetermined the list of available gaming options, it presents the playerwith the list of player gaming options 1100.

While determining gaming options, the system may manage risk bymodifying the available gaming options based on the possibility for aplayer acting illegally or in a prohibited way. The system may determinethat a number of players are sitting near each other and will limit theability to play a collaborative game among those players. Further, thesystem may keep records of past players based on data entered by aplayer, such as account information or other identifying features, suchas a frequent player card, a scanned driver's license, or a scannedcredit card. This list of entered data is not exhaustive. Those skilledin the art will understand how to receive identifying information abouta player. For example, referring to FIG. 12, the system could firstcollect past players and games played by past players 1060. It thencould determine whether a group of players play games together regularly1070. If a group does play together regularly, the system can adjust theavailable gaming options 1080. Finally, the system will present theplayer with a modified list of player gaming options 1100.

Gaming Option Selection

After a player is presented with a list of gaming options, the playerselects from the list of gaming options to start a game. The steps bywhich a player selects from the list of gaming options can be varied.The options herein described are merely exemplary; there are otherorders in which a player can be presented with, and select from, a listof gaming options.

In an embodiment, a player could first select the player's preferredgame type and then be presented with a list of competitors who are alsointerested in playing that game type. In another embodiment, a playercould select a general category, such as a Sports Type Video Gamecategory, and be presented with a list of competitors who are interestedin that category of game types. After selecting the game type or gamecategory, a player may be provided the opportunity to challenge anotherindividual player in a heads up one-on-one (peer-to-peer) match wherethe competitive environment is a skill-based game. The game could beanything from Solitaire to Chess to Football.

In yet another embodiment, a player could select to play a series ofgames. For example, if a player considered himself or herselfwell-rounded in many different games, that player could challenge acompetitor to a best two out of three where each game is a differentskill-based game. A player could also play a best two out of three usingthe same skill-based game. In yet another embodiment, instead of aseries type competition (best two out of three, best three out of five,etc.) the competition could be based on a total number of points betweena multiple game competition. For example, if players are playing Pong,each player could agree that the player with the highest point totalafter two events (rather than just one) is the winner. Many alternativesconsistent with the present technology will be realized by those skilledin the art. Variations on how to group players (such as by skill levelor experience or participation in an ongoing tournament) could also beused.

In yet another embodiment, the system could provide a player with theability to play the computer in a game of the player's choice (for afee, or for free) while the player waits for competitors willing tocompete.

In addition to the game and competitor, gaming option selection couldinclude betting ranges. Betting ranges could be pre-selected options bythe system, in which case, a player will select a betting range. In thealternative, a player could be allowed to select his or her acceptablebetting ranges. The betting ranges may also be determined by externalfactors, such as house stakes and local laws.

It is not necessary for a player to pick every possible gaming optionfor each game. In certain embodiments, a player may only pick one gamingoption.

Matching

In order to participate in a peer-to-peer competitive game, a playerneeds a game to play and a competitor. Referring again to FIG. 5, thesystem could select a betting range before presenting the player with alist of player gaming options 1100, or the player could select a bettingrange when the system collects the selection of player gaming options1200. For example, a player could first select a betting range and thenbe presented with a list of competitors in that betting range. Inanother example, a player could select a game to play, then a bettingrange, and then be presented with a list of competitors willing to playthe same game for similar amounts. Those skilled in the art will realizemany variations to the order of the steps consistent with the presenttechnology.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, after collecting the selectionof player gaming options 1200, the system could collect at least oneselection of competitor gaming options 1310. The system would then matchthe player and competitor based on their respective gaming options 1320before collecting a bet from the player 1400 and initiating a game basedon the selected gaming options 1500. The system would match the playerand the competitor if their selections were compatible. In oneembodiment, a player's and at least one competitor's selections would becompatible if their selections were identical. In another embodiment, aplayer and at least one competitor would be compatible if theirselection of gaming options were closely related. In yet anotherembodiment, the system would create a list of compatible competitors.The list of compatible competitors would include all of the at least onecompetitors that are compatible with the player. Those skilled in theart will understand the many variations of matching players withcompetitors consistent with the present technology.

In an embodiment where players are allowed to select their ownacceptable betting ranges, the system would automatically determine whatplayers have betting ranges that overlap so that players are given alist of player gaming options that include options to play competitorswho are willing to play for an acceptable amount.

In another embodiment, a player could select a betting range beforeselecting a game and/or competitor. For example, a player who is willingto risk less could select a lower betting range such as $5-$50 so theyknow he or she will find competitors willing to play for lower amounts.Conversely, a player who is only interested in playing for largeramounts could select a higher betting range such as $200-500. Thebetting ranges presented here are exemplary only. One skilled in the artwill realize that betting ranges could vary and a betting range could besingle value rather than a range of values (e.g., players willing to bet$10, players willing to bet $20, etc.).

Negotiation

The present technology can also allow a player and competitor tonegotiate with each other, through the system, to determine how much tobet before playing. The bet could be of any value including a pointsstyle bet or a financial bet (e.g., money bet). In some embodiments, aplayer and competitor will negotiate the bet before playing the game.

In one embodiment, represented in FIG. 9, a player is presented with alist of competitors 1150. After the system collects the player'sselection of a competitor 1250, the system initiates contact between theplayer and the selected competitor 1350. Once contact is initiated, theplayer and competitor can negotiate selected gaming options (not shown).This negotiation may fail and the player can restart the process. If theplayer and competitor come to an agreement, the system collects theselected player gaming options 1200. Finally, the system collects a betfrom the player 1400 and initiates a game based on the selection ofplayer gaming options 1500. For example, in such an embodiment, thesystem could present a new player with competitors waiting for a game.This presentation may include chatting (e.g., video chat, text-basedchat, etc.) capability such that individuals can stir up competition. Inaddition, it may provide a list of competitors such that a returningplayer can locate familiar names and challenge those individuals.Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the system could provide a list ofcompetitors with varying ranks and experience and allow a player tochallenge a given competitor. In addition, two players who have beencompeting in one type of skill-based game (such as a sports type videogame) could decide to keep competing against each other but in adifferent skill-based game (such as a more intellectual type game suchas Chess or a different type of video game).

In another embodiment, a player could negotiate the wager they wish tocompete for. In some embodiments, a player would negotiate the moneythey wish to compete for. In other embodiments, a player could negotiatefor points or some other non-monetary value. In this embodiment, theinterface will allow a player and competitors to communicate back andforth until they come to an acceptable bet. A player could be limited tobetting within the original range they selected, or could be given theability to negotiate for any amount.

In yet another embodiment, a player could negotiate the amount of pointsthey wish to compete for. This could be used in, among other things, atournament style of play where all players are originally assigned anequal number of points and the last player standing, or the player withthe most points after a certain amount of time, wins. Many points styledtournaments or competitions could be imagined by those skilled in theart consistent with the present technology.

Funds Receipt

Once the bet has been determined, the agreed upon bet can either bededucted from the players account (this includes either points from apoints account or money from a cash account), or money can be depositedinto a “Cash In” device as the form of payment for the game. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the “Cash In” device could accept ticketsfrom “Ticket Out” devices that could have been turned into cash. Inanother embodiment, the device could accept tokens. Still yet, thedevice may accept credit cards or electronic payment methods such as,but not limited to, electronic transfers, electronic wallets, electronicaccounts, near-field communications, bitcoins, etc. The ability to usethe “Cash In” device allows for individuals to play the system withouthaving to register or set up an account. Alternatively, by registeringor setting up an account, players would have greater flexibility inusing the system. Incentives, such as frequent player bonuses, could beestablished to help promote registration and player loyalty. Inaddition, registration may be required for certain types of tournamentsor games, such as to prevent collusion or in order to track payouts fortax purposes or other legal issues.

Referring again to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the system collects a betfrom a player 1400 before initiating a game 1500. This is not meant tobe limiting. The system may collect funds at a different point in theprocess. The system may also work off of an account, as discussed above.Those skilled in the art will realize many variations to the order ofthe steps and methods consistent with the present technology.

Game Play

The methods in which a game can be rendered to a player via a userinterface device can be accomplished in many different ways. Referringto FIG. 7, the system transfers player identification and at least thegame type to the gaming server 1510. Then the system connects the playergaming client and gaming server 1520 so that the player can play thegame (not shown). As the game is running or once the game is complete,the system collects results from the gaming server 1530. Thisinformation will be used to determine results and any possible winnings.Player identification could be the player's account, identification ofthe console that the player is operating, or other identifyinginformation. This list of possible player identifications is notexhaustive. Those skilled in the art will understand variations ofplayer identification consistent with the present technology.

In another embodiment not shown, the system also transfers competitoridentification to the gaming server. The system then connects thecompetitor gaming client to the gaming server. The types of competitoridentification would be the same as player identification.

In another embodiment not shown, the system includes a module to run thegame. The gaming client is initially connected to the system duringoption selection and the system initiates the game by running the gameitself. In this way, there is no communication with an external gamingserver.

Completion and Payout

Now referring to FIG. 6, to compensate the player, the system firstdetermines which objectives the player achieved in the game 1610. Thenit determines which objectives any competitors achieved in the game1620. The system then calculates any winnings for the player 1630 basedon objectives achieved and other information, including but not limitedto: the rules of the game, and any selected gaming options. Once theamount of winnings is calculated, the system initiates payment 1640. Inorder to effect payment, the system may compensate a player with tokens,a “Ticket-Out,” real money, or crediting the player's account. In someembodiments, the payout may be through an electronic payment systems toa user account (e.g., virtual currency account, bank account, casinoaccount, etc.). This example is but one embodiment of the presenttechnology. Those skilled in the art will understand the modificationsand variations possible to completing and compensating a player.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the player is compensatedan amount of the player's winnings less an administrative fee. This feemay be masked so that the player does not ever see the total playerwinnings so that the player does not know that the winnings are reducedby the administrative fee. This fee could be given to the operator ofthe game, the business where the game is located, the licensee of thegame, the licensor of the system, or another person. This list is notmeant to be exhaustive. Those skilled in the art will understand otherpersons to whom an administrative fee will be paid.

Multi-Player Skill-Based Tournaments

The present technology also includes systems and methods to conductSkill-based Tournaments. Referring to FIG. 1, the TournamentAdministration module 175 oversees these tournaments. While thoseskilled in the art will realize many variations and modificationsconsistent with the present technology, for purposes of descriptionexemplary Skill-based Tournaments are described herein.

A tournament style of play provides players the opportunity to play thegames without having to challenge other players to a match and negotiatea fee. Tournament style of play additionally allows for an added dynamicof a “Many vs. Many” environment, which provides many additional optionsfor payouts and Tournament types.

In one exemplary embodiment, players could select tournament play and bepresented with a list of available tournaments, such as the following:

ID GAME PLAYERS BET 2032 Pool 6 out of 9 $0.50  2390 Pool 9 out of 9$5.00  2798 Pool 1 out of 9 $1.00  2109 Car Racing 8 out of 9 $10.00 2249 Car Racing 2 out of 9 $100.00 . . .

From here, a tournament player, such as Player 1, can join any “Table”that is not full of players. For example, Player 1 could pick either“Table” ID 2109 or 2249 in order to play the Car Racing game. In thisembodiment, the Car Racing game could be a video type game that lookslike a standard car racing video game. In this example, ID 2109 has nine(9) “seats” at an entry fee of $10 per player with eight (8) playersalready seated and ready to play. Alternatively, if Player 1 wants toplay for a higher fee he or she could select ID 2249 at $100 a player.

If Player 1 selects ID 2109, Player 1 will be “seated” for thecompetition and Player 1's account will be deducted by $10.00.Alternatively, Player 1 could be asked to deposit $10 using the “CashIn” device. Various rules could be used to determine when theprecondition for the start of the tournament has been met. In someembodiments, the tournament could begin once nine players are seated. Inother embodiments, the tournament could begin at a predetermined time aslong at least two (2), or perhaps more, players are seated. Variousrules and variations consistent with the present technology could beused. While the collection of funds from a player could be performed atvarious points in the process, in one or more embodiments, a player canonly hold a seat in the tournament with a complete entry fee.

Once funds have been collected from all players and the precondition forbeginning the tournament has been met, the players will be allowed tocompete in the “Game” of multiplayer Car Racing. For this embodiment,all nine (9) players in the tournament could be actively competingagainst each other in an interactive Skill-based gaming environment.Upon completion of the Car Racing game, the winning player or playerswould receive their winnings. The winnings could be determined byvarious methods. For example, after the house takes a cut of the pot, aset percentage could be paid to the first place winner, second placeplayer, etc. This could be as simple as the house taking 5%, the secondplace player receiving back his or her stake, and the first place winnerreceiving the remainder. Those skilled in the art will realize numerousmodifications consistent with the present technology.

After the game finishes, all players could be given the opportunity tostart a new multiplayer Car Racing game or to select a different game orthe same game but under different conditions. In one embodiment, arematch process could go on continuously as long as there are a minimumof two (2) players at a “Table” and both players have enough money intheir account or with them such that they can enter it into the “CashIn” device. The “Table” can be a virtual table where the players arelocated at a console, video gaming machine, handheld device, cellphone,laptop, or other electronic device. The “Table” may also be a physicaldevice or table in some embodiments.

Numerous tournament types could be implemented on the system in thepresent technology. Exemplary tournaments are described herein.

Delayed Tournaments

In one embodiment, players are offered an opportunity to play intournaments where players play a skill-based game, but not in a heads upone-on-one fashion, but as a single player trying to get the best scorepossible.

Delayed tournaments are tournaments in which all participants need toplay the game within a validity period. In one embodiment, thetournament could be limited to a fixed number of players. In anotherembodiment, the tournament could have no limit on the number of playersbut could require a certain minimum number of players to have playedduring a defined time period.

Referring now to FIG. 10, this figure demonstrates an exemplary methodfor a delayed tournament. First, a validity period for the delayedtournament is selected 1040. For example, in one embodiment, a DelayedTournament requires that five (5) players play a game within a 24 hourperiod from noon of one day to noon of the following day. The tournamentrequires an entry fee and the game is Pool. Adam, Brian, Chris and Davidare the first four (4) players to enter the tournament, pay the entryfee and post a score. Each of the four (4) players plays the game in“single player” mode. Each player is presented with the exact same Poolgame. The Tournament starts at 1 pm and Adam finishes his game at 1:10pm, Brian finishes his game at 2:30 pm, Chris at 3:43 pm and David at2:00 am the next day.

The delayed tournament is not finished yet because this tournament needsfive (5) total players. The system presents a player with a set of validgaming options 1160. So at 9:30 am, the system presents Eric with aDelayed Tournament that needs one more player. Then, the system collectsEric's selection of the tournament 1200, and the system collects his $2entry fee 1400. The system then initiates a game for Eric 1500. When hefinishes the game, the tournament is complete and the winners account ispaid right away 1660.

In one embodiment, if no fifth (5th) player joined the game before the24 hour time limit had elapsed, then all of the players would berefunded their money. In another embodiment, if no fifth (5th) playerjoined the game, the tournament would simply close and pay out accordingto the first four (4) players.

This delayed method of tournament game play allows the ability toprovide skill-based game play without the need of readily availableplayers to compete against at a specific time. Additionally, thistournament type allows for a defined and concise structure that allowfor a varying selection of game options, end times, participants and alayer of strategy when picking tournaments to play.

Players can sit down at a machine, play their game, post a score andcheck their account later to see if they won or lost that tournament,all on their own schedule. In addition, in one embodiment, rather thanusing an account, players could still use the “Cash In” and “Ticket Out”device. For example, if a player does not set up an account they couldreceive a ticket that identifies the player as a specific participant inthe tournament. That ticket can then be used to check the tournamentstatus, and once the tournament is complete the ticket can have amonetary value depending on the outcome.

Jackpot Tournaments

This type of tournament is just a modification of a Delayed Tournament.In a Jackpot Tournament, there is no limit to how many players can playin the tournament, each player adds to the Jackpot, and when thetournament ends, the player with the best score is appointed the winner.Additionally, if there are enough players in a Jackpot tournament, otherplayers could be awarded winnings.

In one embodiment, a player can enter Jackpot Tournaments as many timesas he or she wants, paying the entry fee each time. In some embodiments,these types of tournaments many only allow a best score to qualify forwinnings. In other embodiments, players would be permitted to collectwinnings for multiple scores. Those skilled in the art will appreciateand understand modifications and variations consistent with the presenttechnology.

Client Device

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of various components that may be usedwithin a client device (e.g., a player terminal such as a gaming cabinetor a mobile device) in accordance with some embodiments of the presenttechnology. As shown in FIG. 13, client device 105 may include memory1302 (e.g., volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory), processor(s)1304, power supply 1306 (e.g., battery), for executing processinginstructions, and operating system 1308. Additional components mayinclude data storage component 1310 (e.g., hard drive, flash memory,memory card, etc.), one or more network interfaces (e.g., Bluetooth®Interface 1312; and Network Communication Interface 1314, which enablesthe player terminal to communicate by transmitting and receivingwireless signals using licensed, semi-licensed or unlicensed spectrumsover a telecommunications network), audio interface 1316, microphone1318, display 1320, keypad or keyboard 1322, SIM card 1324, other inputand/or output interfaces 1326, and gaming module 1328. The variouscomponents of a mobile device may be interconnected via a bus.

Memory 1302 can be any device, mechanism, or populated data structureused for storing information. In accordance with some embodiments of thepresent technology, memory 1302 can encompass any type of, but is notlimited to, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory and dynamic memory. Forexample, memory 1302 can be random access memory, memory storagedevices, optical memory devices, media magnetic media, floppy disks,magnetic tapes, hard drives, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR RAM, erasableprogrammable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memories (EEPROMs), compact disks, DVDs, and/orthe like. In accordance with some embodiments, memory 1302 may includeone or more disk drives, flash drives, one or more databases, one ormore tables, one or more files, local cache memories, processor cachememories, relational databases, flat databases, and/or the like. Inaddition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate manyadditional devices and techniques for storing information which can beused as memory 1302.

Memory 1302 may be used to store instructions for running one or moreapplications or modules on processor(s) 1304. For example, memory 1302could be used in one or more embodiments to house all or some of theinstructions needed to execute the functionality of the various systemcomponents and/or modules. Processor(s) 1304 are the main processors ofplayer terminal 122 which may include application processors, basebandprocessors, various coprocessors, and other dedicated processors foroperating player terminal 122. For example, an application processor canprovide the processing power to support software applications, memorymanagement, graphics processing, and multimedia. An applicationprocessor may be communicably coupled with memory 1302 and configured torun the operating system 1308, the user interface, and the applicationsstored on memory 1302 or data storage component 1310. A basebandprocessor may be configured to perform signal processing andimplement/manage real-time radio transmission operations of a playerterminal (e.g., a mobile device). These processors, along with the othercomponents, may be powered by power supply 1306. The volatile andnonvolatile memories found in various embodiments may include storagemedia for storing information such as processor-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data. Some examples ofinformation that may be stored include basic input/output systems(BIOS), operating systems, and applications.

Operating system 1308 can also provide common services for softwareapplications running on processor(s) 1304. According to the embodimentsshown in FIG. 13, gaming module 1328 can include identification module1330, policy enforcement module 1332, virtual reality (VR) module 1334,wagering module 1336, team module 1338, and state recordation module1340. Each of these modules can be embodied as special-purpose hardware(e.g., one or more ASICS, PLDs, FPGAs, or the like), or as programmablecircuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, or thelike) appropriately programmed with software and/or firmware, or as acombination of special purpose hardware and programmable circuitry.Other embodiments of the present technology may include some, all, ornone of these modules and components along with other modules,applications, and/or components. Still yet, some embodiments mayincorporate two or more of these modules and components into a singlemodule and/or associate a portion of the functionality of one or more ofthese modules with a different module. For example, in one embodiment,identification module 1330 and policy enforcement module 1332 can becombined into a single module for identifying and enforcing variouspolicies on a player terminal.

Identification module 1330 can be used to gather information about theplayer terminal, current and/or past gaming sessions, playerinformation, specific hardware and software configurations of the playerterminal, GPS coordinates, associated telephone numbers, IP addresses,e-mail addresses, user identifiers, international mobile stationequipment identity (IMEI), mobile equipment identifiers (MEID),integrated circuit card identifiers (ICCID), part identifiers, softwareidentifiers, current gaming session identifiers, identification of anynearby player terminals, and the like. This information can be used in avariety of ways, including by policy enforcement module 1332 which canset customized gaming restriction policies that can, in someembodiments, be dynamically set (e.g., based on location, current gamingsession, etc.).

VR module 1334 can be used to allow a variety of virtual realityexperiences as part of the game play. Wagering module 1336 can be usedto can be used to accept, track and process bets placed by the players.Team module 1338 can be used to track and communicate with players thathave organized into teams for competition purposes.

State recordation module 1340 can be used to capture the state of thegaming session. This can include a variety of game states including, butnot limited to, wager, payout levels, skill level settings, and others.The state of the gaming session can be repeatedly captured so that inthe event of a communication failure, terminal fault, or other issuethat would prevent the gaming session from being completed a record ofthe current state can be reconstructed. For example, in someembodiments, the state may be captured at least every second. In otherembodiments, the state may be captured more or less quickly depending ongame dynamics. The state captured by state recordation module 1340 mayalso be used (possibly with state information from other playerterminals of the same gaming session) by a collusion avoidance module todetermine if any collusion is occurring. In some embodiments, the stateinformation captured by state recordation module 1340 can be used togenerate various gaming analytics. In some embodiments, the hostcomputer (or gaming platform) may capture the snapshots of the stateinformation directly.

State recordation module 1340 may store the state information indatabase for regulatory compliance, analytics, or other purpose. Forexample, in some embodiments, all the game play within a period of time(e.g., a five year period, a two year period, a year, a month, a week, aday, etc.) could be recorded and stored in the database. In otherembodiments, a limited number of gaming sessions could be recorded(e.g., last one hundred, last thirty, etc.). Still yet, some embodimentsof state recordation module 1340 may only record (or record for longerperiod of time) games that have betting above a set threshold (e.g.,$500, $1000, etc.).

The state information recorded by state recordation module may be adirect copy of the game play or only information sufficient to reproducethe game play. For example, in some embodiments, the state informationmay include various gaming parameters (e.g., ammo amounts, number oflives, level, etc.), gaming session identifier, date and time theinteractive gaming session is opened or terminated, the date and timethe interactive gaming session is logged in to or is logged out of byvarious player terminals, the physical location, by state or foreignjurisdiction, of the authorized player while logged in to theinteractive gaming account, and/or other types of information.

In some embodiments, the player terminals can provide for social media,chatting and other communication channels. For example, someembodiments, may have interfaces that allow for third party accessthrough another gateway like Facebook® or other social media. Someembodiments of the player terminals may allow for picture in picture ormultiple screens. For example, players may be able to play aninteractive game via one screen or video channel and in the secondscreen or video channel being displayed in the picture in picture (PIP)thereby allowing players to play more than one at a time. The additionalscreens or video channel, for example, could be used to watch sports,fantasy sports betting, ordering drinks or food, and the like. In someembodiments, additional screens may be present to present variouspromotions such as ticket sells for shows, restaurant deals, future roombookings, room upgrades, and the like.

Some embodiments of the player terminals may also include external videooutputs that allow for display of the game by others. For example, invarious tournament play (e.g., eSports), the external video outputs mayallow others to watch the game play. In various embodiments, the playerterminals may support virtual reality interfaces, hologram generationsystems, and other visualizations system for the gaming. The playerterminals, in some embodiments, can include various sensors to detectgestures that can be interpreted as controls for betting, controllinggaming action, ordering drinks, etc. In addition, some player terminalsmay have voice recognition software which can be used as a technique toidentify player locations. Some embodiments may also be able to mimicvoices of different people (e.g., famous people, friends, etc.) that canbe used as the computer voice while the player is playing or interactingwith a player terminal.

Exemplary Computer System Overview

Aspects and implementations of the interactive gaming system of thedisclosure have been described in the general context of various stepsand operations. A variety of these steps and operations may be performedby hardware components or may be embodied in computer-executableinstructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose orspecial-purpose processor (e.g., in a computer, server, cloud-basedgaming platform or other computing device) programmed with theinstructions to perform the steps or operations. For example, the stepsor operations may be performed by a combination of hardware, software,and/or firmware.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example machine representingthe computer systemization of the gaming system. The gaming controller1400 may be in communication with entities including one or more users1425 client/terminal devices 1420 (e.g., devices 122), user inputdevices 1405, peripheral devices 1410, optional co-processor device(s)(e.g., cryptographic processor devices) 1415, and networks 1430 (e.g.,110 and 120 in FIG. 1). Users may engage with the gaming controller 1400via terminal devices 1420 over networks 1430. In some embodiments, allor a portion of the communications between terminal devices 1420 andgaming controller 1400 can be encrypted. The law requires cryptographyfor some things.

Computers may employ central processing units (CPUs) or processors toprocess information. Processors may include programmable general-purposeor special-purpose microprocessors, programmable controllers,application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logicdevices (PLDs), embedded components, a combination of such devices andthe like. Processors execute program components in response to userand/or system-generated requests. One or more of these components may beimplemented in software, hardware or both hardware and software.Processors pass instructions (e.g., operational and data instructions)to enable various operations.

The gaming controller 1400 may include clock 1465, CPU 1470, memory suchas read only memory (ROM) 1485 and random access memory (RAM) 1480 andco-processor 1475 among others. These controller components may beconnected to a system bus 1460, and through the system bus 1460 to aninterface bus 1435. Further, user input devices 1405, peripheral devices1410, co-processor devices 1415, and the like, may be connected throughthe interface bus 1435 to the system bus 1460. The interface bus 1435may be connected to a number of interface adapters such as processorinterface 1440, input output interfaces (I/O) 1445, network interfaces1450, storage interfaces 1455, and the like.

Processor interface 1440 may facilitate communication betweenco-processor devices 1415 and co-processor 1475. In one implementation,processor interface 1440 may expedite encryption and decryption ofrequests or data. Input output interfaces (I/O) 1445 facilitatecommunication between user input devices 1405, peripheral devices 1410,co-processor devices 1415, and/or the like and components of gamingcontroller 1400 using protocols such as those for handling audio, data,video interface, wireless transceivers, or the like (e.g., Bluetooth®,IEEE 1494a-b, serial, universal serial bus (USB), Digital VisualInterface (DVI), 802.11a/b/g/n/x, cellular, etc.). Network interfaces1450 may be in communication with the network 1430. Through the network1430, gaming controller 1400 may be accessible to remote terminaldevices 1420 (e.g., gaming client 105 illustrated in FIG. 1). Networkinterfaces 1450 may use various wired and wireless connection protocolssuch as, direct connect, Ethernet, wireless connection such as IEEE802.11a-x, miracast and the like. Some components of the interactivegaming system may include various protocols or comply with variousstandards or certifications set forth by different associations orregulatory agencies. For example, some embodiments may use the slotaccounting system (SAS) protocol or comply with the game to system (G2S)standard.

Examples of network 1430 include the Internet, Local Area Network (LAN),Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), wirelessnetwork (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol WAP), a securedcustom connection, and the like. The network interfaces 1450 can includea firewall which can, in some aspects, govern and/or manage permissionto access/proxy data in a computer network, and track varying levels oftrust between different machines and/or applications. The firewall canbe any number of modules having any combination of hardware and/orsoftware components able to enforce a predetermined set of access rightsbetween a particular set of machines and applications, machines andmachines, and/or applications and applications, for example, to regulatethe flow of traffic and resource sharing between these varying entities.The firewall may additionally manage and/or have access to an accesscontrol list which details permissions including, for example, theaccess and operation rights of an object by an individual, a machine,and/or an application, and the circumstances under which the permissionrights stand. Other network security functions performed or included inthe functions of the firewall, can be, for example, but are not limitedto, intrusion-prevention, intrusion detection, next-generation firewall,personal firewall, etc., without deviating from the novel art of thisdisclosure.

Storage interfaces 1455 may be in communication with a number of storagedevices such as, storage devices 1490, removable disc devices, and thelike. The storage interfaces 1455 may use various connection protocolssuch as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), IEEE 1494,Ethernet, Fiber, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the like.

User input devices 1405 and peripheral devices 1410 may be connected toI/O interface 1445 and potentially other interfaces, buses and/orcomponents. User input devices 1405 may include card readers,fingerprint readers, joysticks, keyboards, microphones, mouse, remotecontrols, retina readers, touch screens, sensors, and/or the like.Peripheral devices 1410 may include antenna, audio devices (e.g.,microphone, speakers, etc.), cameras, external processors, communicationdevices, radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs), scanners, printers,storage devices, transceivers, and/or the like. Co-processor devices1415 may be connected to the controller 1400 through interface bus 1435,and may include microcontrollers, processors, interfaces or otherdevices.

Computer executable instructions and data may be stored in memory (e.g.,registers, cache memory, random access memory, flash, etc.) which isaccessible by processors. These stored instruction codes (e.g.,programs) may engage the processor components, motherboard and/or othersystem components to perform desired operations. The controller 1400 mayemploy various forms of memory including on-chip CPU memory (e.g.,registers), RAM 1480, ROM 1485, and storage devices 1490. Storagedevices 1490 may employ any number of tangible, non-transitory storagedevices or systems such as fixed or removable magnetic disk drive, anoptical drive, solid state memory devices and other processor-readablestorage media. Computer-executable instructions stored in the memory mayinclude an interactive gaming platform having one or more programmodules such as routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. For example, the memory may containoperating system (OS) component 1495, modules and other components,database tables, and the like. These modules/components may be storedand accessed from the storage devices, including from external storagedevices accessible through an interface bus 1435.

The database components can store programs executed by the processor toprocess the stored data. The database components may be implemented inthe form of a database that is relational, scalable and secure. Examplesof such database include DB2, MySQL, Oracle, Sybase, and the like.Alternatively, the database may be implemented using various standarddata-structures, such as an array, hash, list, stack, structured textfile (e.g., XML), table, and/or the like. Such data-structures may bestored in memory and/or in structured files.

The gaming controller 1400 may be implemented in distributed computingenvironments, where tasks or modules are performed by remote processingdevices, which are linked through a communications network, such as aLocal Area Network (“LAN”), Wide Area Network (“WAN”), the Internet, andthe like. In a distributed computing environment, program modules orsubroutines may be located in both local and remote memory storagedevices. Distributed computing may be employed to load balance and/oraggregate resources for processing. Alternatively, aspects of the gamingcontroller 1400 may be distributed electronically over the Internet orover other networks (including wireless networks). Those skilled in therelevant art(s) will recognize that portions of the interactive gamingsystem may reside on a server computer, while corresponding portionsreside on a client computer. Data structures and transmission of dataparticular to aspects of the gaming controller 1400 are also encompassedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

CONCLUSION

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer tothis application as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above Detailed Description of examples of the technology is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific examples for the technology aredescribed above for illustrative purposes, various equivalentmodifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processesor blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementationsmay perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in adifferent order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved,added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative orsubcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented ina variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are attimes shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks mayinstead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed atdifferent times. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are onlyexamples: alternative implementations may employ differing values orranges.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of thetechnology. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elementshave not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent technology. Accordingly, the above description should not betaken as limiting the scope of the technology, which is defined in thefollowing claims.

The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various examples described above can be combined to providefurther implementations of the technology. Some alternativeimplementations of the technology may include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also may includefewer elements.

These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain examples of the technology, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, thetechnology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its specific implementation, while still beingencompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the technology to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under theclaims.

To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology arepresented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplatesthe various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. Forexample, while only one aspect of the technology is recited as acomputer-readable medium claim, other aspects may likewise be embodiedas a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as beingembodied in a means-plus-function claim. Any claims intended to betreated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for”,but use of the term “for” in any other context is not intended to invoketreatment under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Accordingly, the applicant reservesthe right to pursue additional claims after filing this application topursue such additional claim forms, in either this application or in acontinuing application.

1. A method comprising: identifying a location of a player; presenting,via a graphical user interface, a list of electronic gaming optionsavailable to the player based on the location of the player; andreceiving, via the graphical user interface, a selection from the playerof an electronic game to play from the list. 2-4. (canceled)
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein presenting the list of electronic gamingoptions comprises presenting the list of electronic gaming optionsfurther based on at least one of: current events, player volume,licensing deals, type of a gaming client being used by the player, andcapabilities of a gaming client being used by the player. 6-7.(canceled)
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of electronicgaming options includes limits on wagering amounts that change accordingto the location of the player. 9-10. (canceled)
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the location of the player is identified using at least oneof: geo-fencing technology, an IP address, network access, or a globalpositioning system.
 12. The method of claim 1 further comprisinginitiating the electronic game via a gaming client based on theselection received from the player.
 13. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: determining a current location of the player; and suspendingor abandoning play by the player in the electronic game when theelectronic game being played on a gaming client operable by the playeris no longer authorized in an updated current location of the player.14. The method of claim 1 further comprising: identifying one or morelicensing statuses of at least one of the electronic gaming optionsavailable to the player; and updating the list of electronic gamingoptions available to the player based on the one or more licensingstatuses. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: adjusting game play in the electronic game based on one ormore of: latency, connection quality, speed of mobile processors,hardware configurations, skill level of players, dollar amounts beingbet, security protocols, VPN speeds, and detection of bots, robots orautomated play in the electronic game. 19-20. (canceled)
 21. A gamingsystem comprising: at least one processor; at least one communicationinterface operably coupled to the at least one processor; and a memorystorage device operably coupled to the at least one processor, thememory storage device having stored thereon program instructions which,when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to:identify a location of a player; present, using the communicationinterface, and via a graphical user interface of a gaming clientoperable by the player, a list of electronic games available for play bythe player based on the location of the player; and receive, via thegraphical user interface and using the communication interface, aselection from the player of an electronic game to play from the list.22. (canceled)
 23. The gaming system of claim 21, wherein when executedby the at least one processor, the program instructions further causethe gaming system to match the player with at least other player. 24.The gaming system of claim 23, wherein the at least one other playerincludes at least one competitor player for the electronic game. 25-27.(canceled)
 28. The gaming system of claim 21, wherein when executed bythe at least one processor, the program instructions further cause thegaming system to identify a current location of the player using atleast one of: geo-fencing technology, an IP address, network access, ora global positioning system.
 29. The gaming system of claim 21, whereinwhen executed by the at least one processor, the program instructionsfurther cause the gaming system to initiate the electronic game via thegaming client based on the selection received from the player.
 30. Thegaming system of claim 21, wherein when executed by the at least oneprocessor, the program instructions further cause the gaming system tocollect a bet from the player for the electronic game. 31-32. (canceled)33. The gaming system of claim 21, wherein when executed by the at leastone processor to present the list of electronic games available for playby the player, the program instructions further cause the gaming systemto present the list further based on at least one of: current events,player volume, licensing deals, type of a gaming client being used bythe player, and capabilities of the gaming client. 34-35. (canceled) 36.The gaming system of claim 21, wherein when executed by the at least oneprocessor to present the list of electronic games available for play bythe player, the program instructions further cause the gaming system topresent the list including limits on wagering amounts that changeaccording to the location of the player.
 37. (canceled)
 38. The gamingsystem of claim 30, wherein when executed by the at least one processorto present the list of electronic games available for play by theplayer, the program instructions further cause the gaming system topresent the list including limits on wagering amounts that change thebet to a non-monetary bet to a non-monetary based wager.
 39. The gamingsystem of claim 21, wherein when executed by the at least one processor,the program instructions further cause the gaming system to: determine acurrent location of the player; and suspend or abandon play by theplayer in the electronic game when the electronic game being played onthe gaming client is no longer authorized in an updated current locationof the gaming client.
 40. The gaming system of claim 21, wherein whenexecuted by the at least one processor, the program instructions furthercause the gaming system to: identify one or more licensing statuses ofat least one of the electronic games available for play by the player;and update the list of electronic games available for play by the playerbased on the one or more licensing statuses. 41-43. (canceled)
 44. Thegaming system of claim 21, wherein when executed by the at least oneprocessor, the program instructions further cause the gaming system to:adjust game play in the electronic game based on one or more of:latency, connection quality, speed of mobile processors, hardwareconfigurations, skill level of players, dollar amounts being bet,security protocols, VPN speeds, and detection of bots, robots orautomated play in the electronic game. 45-46. (canceled)
 47. One or morenon-transitory computer readable media having program instructionsstored thereon which, when executed by a computer, cause a machine to:identify a location of a player; present, via a graphical user interfaceof a gaming client operable by the player, a list of electronic gamingoptions available for play by the player based on the location of theplayer; and receive, via the graphical user interface, a selection fromthe list by the player of an electronic game to play using the gamingclient.